15 Android apps for your phone
Swami Nikhilaananda said:
"Chrome OS may not become a success, but Android will rule"
If you own an Android phone, and are looking for some good apps, below are 15 apps that I use. I personally love them, and use them a lot - They are not arranged in any specific order. See if you like them too. If you feel there are some other apps that are great and are not on this list, leave a comment.
Looking for a phone?
If you are looking for a low cost Android phone with amazing features, click here to see a review of Samsung Galaxy 3.
"Chrome OS may not become a success, but Android will rule"
If you own an Android phone, and are looking for some good apps, below are 15 apps that I use. I personally love them, and use them a lot - They are not arranged in any specific order. See if you like them too. If you feel there are some other apps that are great and are not on this list, leave a comment.
Looking for a phone?
If you are looking for a low cost Android phone with amazing features, click here to see a review of Samsung Galaxy 3.
Running out of space on your Android phone?
After installing many apps, you may run out of space on your Android phone. Now what? Should you start uninstalling apps? Check a solution out.
Looking for a great game on iPod?
If you are looking for a great game for you iPod/iPhone, check out a review of one the games here.
15 Android Apps
1. Google Navigation
One of the most useful tools, this may come pre-installed in your phone. Very useful when coupled with GPS, it tells you your current location, the path and if you are on the path or not and gets updated in real time. Never get lost again
2. Application Protection (ruimaninfo)
One thing that annoys me a lot is when people just come along to see your phone "Hey, nice phone!" and then go open the SMS inbox. I don't know why people actually do that. But it annoys me a lot. If you are like me, Application Protection is a great tool which does what the name says. Password protect your apps, including message inbox, etc. and stay relaxed.
3. Angry Birds
Again, an app that is the exact same as that of the iPod, Angry Birds has perhaps been the most popular game on iPod. It's a great game and you will have an eternal smile when you play it. The green pigs have stolen eggs from the birds' nests, and the birds want revenge. There are different types of birds with special abilities and the pigs are well protected with very imaginative fortresses having shapes of cars, houses, aircrafts etc. The birds have to be catapulted to destroy the pigs... And if you fail, the pigs will grunt and laugh and bug you to no end. It's been my favourite game for a really long time
4. Word Drop
A really interesting word game, that's a mix of Boggle (Scramble in iPod) and Scrabble. Plus, there are some additional ways of scoring high points. Overall, a great game if you like word games.
5. Nesoid Lite
Do you miss playing Super Mario and Super Contra? The ones that you used to play on your TV Video game console? If yes, then this is the app for you. Nesoid Lite allows you to play all those 8-bit games that you once used to love! And how do you do it? Learn it here.
6. zxing - Zebra Crossing Bar Code Scanner
The zxing bar code scanner is a great tool that can be used to read QR Code and bar codes. Simple application, but works really well. You can launch the browser and do some other things with them - Bar code scanner is useful when a web site has provided you with a QR code to download an app - Just scan it and you are done. What does a QR code look like?
7. Shazam
Very often, when in a restaurant or mall, we hear some song that we like or seems very familiar, but we don't know the name and we have nobody around us to ask the name. Fret not, flip out your phone and launch Shazam - The application listens to the song and looks up its database and gives you details about the song.
8. Advanced Task Killer (ReChild)
Many times, we close applications, or so we think. But it may be running in the background. This could result in slowing down of your phone or reduced battery life. There are several task killers and managers available, but I liked the interface of this one. It's simple and straightforward. Use it to see all running applications and kill them - in one shot. It even kills itself :-) Thoughtful, no?
9. Battery Monitor (Digital Scalability Inc)
How long will your phone run? A very intelligent app that knows how you use your phone, when your phone was last recharged, etc. and tells you how many hours are left till your phone runs out of charge. There are some other features that may be useful for an advanced user.
10. Skype
The famous Skype is also on your mobile - You already know what Skype is. I like Skype on my phone because I won't be restricted to sitting next to my computer if I am on a call - I can talk like I am talking to someone over the phone.
11. Taskos
A simple tool - But very useful if you are forgetful. It is a simple To-Do list, and does nothing more than that. You can keep a list of things to be done, tick them off as you are done with them and they disappear from the active list. You can later review what you have done, remove them permanently and so on. Fairly simple to use, but very useful.
12. eBuddy
Do you chat with your friends across Google Talk, Facebook, Yahoo etc. and hate switching windows? eBuddy is a good tool that allows you to chat with people across protocols on the same client. You can sign into multiple accounts and see all your friends in one place.
(Do you think it is hard to chat on a phone? With Samsung's Swype, it's amazing - If you are looking to buy a great Android phone for a low cost, see here)
13. Opera
Some consider Opera to be the most innovative browser in the world - It definitely is, although not many people use it on their computers. However, it rules the mobile world - Opera is available on both Android and iPod/iPhones. It is a great browser and is very fast and easy to use with excellent features. You can read about it from their website. You will see the QR Code and you can use the zxing bar code scanner mentioned above to download it.
14. Talking Tom
One of the most popular apps, people simply love it! Talking Tom is a tom cat who comes alive on your screen. Say whatever you want, and Talking Tom will repeat it in a cat's voice. What's the big deal you say? Check it out, and you will see what I mean... It's amazing, and very soon, you will see a lot of people coming and saying nonsensical phrases into your phone and laugh in glee (along with you of course) when he repeats it with his super cute style. Apart from this, Talking Tom also does some really cool stuff when you ask him to scratch your screen, drink milk or when you stroke him, touch his tail, punch him in the face or stomach or step on his toes.
15. Aldiko Book reader
A great book reader with many books to download. I simply love this reader. They have a very good collection of books including classics. A great way to pass time if you love to read and have time to kill while travelling.
15 Android Apps
1. Google Navigation
One of the most useful tools, this may come pre-installed in your phone. Very useful when coupled with GPS, it tells you your current location, the path and if you are on the path or not and gets updated in real time. Never get lost again
2. Application Protection (ruimaninfo)
One thing that annoys me a lot is when people just come along to see your phone "Hey, nice phone!" and then go open the SMS inbox. I don't know why people actually do that. But it annoys me a lot. If you are like me, Application Protection is a great tool which does what the name says. Password protect your apps, including message inbox, etc. and stay relaxed.
3. Angry Birds
Again, an app that is the exact same as that of the iPod, Angry Birds has perhaps been the most popular game on iPod. It's a great game and you will have an eternal smile when you play it. The green pigs have stolen eggs from the birds' nests, and the birds want revenge. There are different types of birds with special abilities and the pigs are well protected with very imaginative fortresses having shapes of cars, houses, aircrafts etc. The birds have to be catapulted to destroy the pigs... And if you fail, the pigs will grunt and laugh and bug you to no end. It's been my favourite game for a really long time
4. Word Drop
A really interesting word game, that's a mix of Boggle (Scramble in iPod) and Scrabble. Plus, there are some additional ways of scoring high points. Overall, a great game if you like word games.
5. Nesoid Lite
Do you miss playing Super Mario and Super Contra? The ones that you used to play on your TV Video game console? If yes, then this is the app for you. Nesoid Lite allows you to play all those 8-bit games that you once used to love! And how do you do it? Learn it here.
6. zxing - Zebra Crossing Bar Code Scanner
The zxing bar code scanner is a great tool that can be used to read QR Code and bar codes. Simple application, but works really well. You can launch the browser and do some other things with them - Bar code scanner is useful when a web site has provided you with a QR code to download an app - Just scan it and you are done. What does a QR code look like?
7. Shazam
Very often, when in a restaurant or mall, we hear some song that we like or seems very familiar, but we don't know the name and we have nobody around us to ask the name. Fret not, flip out your phone and launch Shazam - The application listens to the song and looks up its database and gives you details about the song.
8. Advanced Task Killer (ReChild)
Many times, we close applications, or so we think. But it may be running in the background. This could result in slowing down of your phone or reduced battery life. There are several task killers and managers available, but I liked the interface of this one. It's simple and straightforward. Use it to see all running applications and kill them - in one shot. It even kills itself :-) Thoughtful, no?
9. Battery Monitor (Digital Scalability Inc)
How long will your phone run? A very intelligent app that knows how you use your phone, when your phone was last recharged, etc. and tells you how many hours are left till your phone runs out of charge. There are some other features that may be useful for an advanced user.
10. Skype
The famous Skype is also on your mobile - You already know what Skype is. I like Skype on my phone because I won't be restricted to sitting next to my computer if I am on a call - I can talk like I am talking to someone over the phone.
11. Taskos
A simple tool - But very useful if you are forgetful. It is a simple To-Do list, and does nothing more than that. You can keep a list of things to be done, tick them off as you are done with them and they disappear from the active list. You can later review what you have done, remove them permanently and so on. Fairly simple to use, but very useful.
12. eBuddy
Do you chat with your friends across Google Talk, Facebook, Yahoo etc. and hate switching windows? eBuddy is a good tool that allows you to chat with people across protocols on the same client. You can sign into multiple accounts and see all your friends in one place.
(Do you think it is hard to chat on a phone? With Samsung's Swype, it's amazing - If you are looking to buy a great Android phone for a low cost, see here)
13. Opera
Some consider Opera to be the most innovative browser in the world - It definitely is, although not many people use it on their computers. However, it rules the mobile world - Opera is available on both Android and iPod/iPhones. It is a great browser and is very fast and easy to use with excellent features. You can read about it from their website. You will see the QR Code and you can use the zxing bar code scanner mentioned above to download it.
14. Talking Tom
One of the most popular apps, people simply love it! Talking Tom is a tom cat who comes alive on your screen. Say whatever you want, and Talking Tom will repeat it in a cat's voice. What's the big deal you say? Check it out, and you will see what I mean... It's amazing, and very soon, you will see a lot of people coming and saying nonsensical phrases into your phone and laugh in glee (along with you of course) when he repeats it with his super cute style. Apart from this, Talking Tom also does some really cool stuff when you ask him to scratch your screen, drink milk or when you stroke him, touch his tail, punch him in the face or stomach or step on his toes.
15. Aldiko Book reader
A great book reader with many books to download. I simply love this reader. They have a very good collection of books including classics. A great way to pass time if you love to read and have time to kill while travelling.
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Extended List - Contributed by others
The following App list is contributed by - Sanju
16. Ag Indian Newspapers
A great place to catch up on the latest news and it includes sources like The Times Of India, Manorama, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Rediff and a lot more
17. Google Sky Map
Point your phone at the sky, and Google Sky Map will show the stars, planets, constellations, and more to help you identify the celestial objects in view. You can also browse the skies in manual mode. Link
18. Ringdroid
Open an existing audio file, View a scrollable waveform representation of the audio file at 5 zoom levels, Set starting and ending points for a clip within the audio file, using an optional touch interface, Play the selected portion of the audio, including an indicator cursor and autoscrolling of the waveform, Play anywhere else by tapping the screen. Save the clipped audio as a new audio file and mark it as Music, Ringtone, Alarm, or Notification. And a whole lot more.
19. Astro File Manager (Metago)
The Astro File Manager helps you get the most out of your Android smart phone. Manage all files on your SD card (copy, move, rename), manage multiple files and directories at once, backup applications, manage running applications, send files as attachments, view thumbnails and images, browse and create compressed files like Zip and Tar and much more
20. My Tracks
My Tracks is an application for your Android phone that enables you to record GPS tracks and view live statistics – such as time, speed, distance, and elevation – while hiking, biking, running or participating in other outdoor activities. Once recorded, you can share your tracks, upload them to Google Spreadsheets and visualize them on Google My Maps.
21. Alarm Clock pro v2
Alarm Clock Pro turns your android into a beautiful digital clock with gorgeous themes and an alarm clock that sings your favorite tunes. There is even a built-in flashlight to light up the darkness!
22. RockPlayer (Holly Lee)
RockPlayer can support audio and video container format: avi mkv rmvb mp4 mov wmv asf wma wav mpg ts mpa dvd au mp3 mid ivf aiff ogm ogg cda flic d2v aac roq flac drc dsm swf pls pmp.Audio and video encoding format AAC AC3 DTS FLV4 LPCM ALAW ULAW MPEG Audio MPEG-1 MPEG-2 RealVideo RealAideo Vorbis AVC VC1 XVID DIVX SVQ Theora Bink Theora Bink basically includes all popular multimedia formats.
23. Password Keeper (Seto Chi Lap)
A very simple app to help save your user IDs and passwords in everyday life. Just remember one master password to protect all your important info.
24. AK Notepad
AK Notepad Android App allows you to keep your mobile life organized. Quickly jot notes with a bunch of features such as sharing via SMS text or email, window shade and LED notifications, Export to text file on the SD Card, or Stick-It (creates a shortcut to your note on the desktop).
25. Acar
Track the maintenance, fill up, fuel mileage & expenses of your car along with your trips. Service reminders (e.g. Engine Oil) & useful statistics, charts & reports; backup/restore & export/import to/from various sources.
26. Wave Secure (McAfee)
McAfee WaveSecure is a complete mobile security service that lets users protect data, ensure privacy in the event of theft and enhances the possibility of recovering the phone.
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Love an app that is missing?
Leave a comment and I will add it to this list along with credits.
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Ashwin Kumble: awesome man thanks!
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